ENERGYWATCH'S BETTER BILLING CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 1177, tabled 12 May 2003 by Robert Smith (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 98 members.

That this House condemns energy companies that issue irregular, inaccurate and estimated bills to consumers; believes this carelessness is costing consumers money and threatening competition; notes that estimated bills have put as many as 2 million energy consumers into debt; applauds Energywatch's Better Billing campaign, which aims to put an end to irregular and inaccurate billing; calls upon energy companies to improve the layout of bills so that they are easier for consumers to understand; believes that companies should compensate consumers for distress caused; encourages the industry to increase the use of meter readings; and urges Energywatch and Ofgem to secure better billing for energy consumers across the UK.

Signatures by party: Labour 56, Liberal Democrat 23, Labour/Co-operative 7, Conservative 6, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 1.